India’s compact SUV arena. The latest spark came from Pune, where the Honda WR-V RS was spotted testing without camouflage, wearing an Indonesian number plate and a bold “Testing Vehicle” tag on the windshield. For a brand that has been cautious in recent years, this is as strong a hint as any: Honda is gearing up for a sporty WR-V RS launch in India, likely in early to mid-2026.
A Surprise Sighting That Says A Lot
The undisguised test mule was seen near Pune—home turf for ARAI certification testing. When manufacturers bring foreign-spec models here without hiding them under wraps, it usually signals two things:
- Localization work is in progress, and
- Approval procedures are already underway.
Honda has already promised 10 new models by 2030 as part of its India revival plan. The WR-V RS fits perfectly into the timeline, especially with the brand needing a compact SUV below the Elevate to lure younger, style-focused buyers.
Sporty, Sharper Styling
The WR-V RS carries a bolder, more athletic look than Honda’s current India lineup. While it borrows design DNA from the second-gen Amaze—headlamps, grille lines, strong chrome bar—the RS version brings its own swagger.
Expect to see:
- Sleek LED DRLs
- Sporty bumpers with aggressive cuts
- Fog lamps and a faux skid plate
- Black cladding for a proper SUV stance
- Red RS badge at the rear
- Sharp C-shaped LED tail lights with sequential indicators
The RS trim, already well received in Southeast Asia, is clearly aimed at younger buyers who crave style without going for a full-blown performance SUV.
Trims and Variant Strategy
Markets like Indonesia sell the WR-V in S, E, V, and RS trims. India, if it follows the same formula, will get the RS as the top-end variant. Honda desperately needs more feature-rich options in the ₹8–12 lakh segment, and an RS badge could be the missing ingredient to spice up its lineup.
Platform: India Might Get Something Better
The Indonesian WR-V rides on the second-gen Amaze platform. But India is expected to shift to the third-gen Amaze architecture, which Honda has been preparing for the next Amaze update in 2025–26.
Why this matters:
- Stronger structural integrity
- Better crash performance
- More cabin space
- Improved refinement
For Indian roads and Indian families, these upgrades make the WR-V RS a more promising compact SUV.
Powertrain: Expect a Smaller, More Efficient Engine
This is where Honda is likely to make a key India-specific tweak.
Indonesian WR-V RS:
- 1.5L i-VTEC
- 121 hp, 145 Nm
- Manual or CVT
Expected India WR-V RS:
- 1.2L i-VTEC (Amaze’s engine)
- 90–100 hp (estimated)
- 110–115 Nm (estimated)
- 5-speed manual or CVT
Why the downsizing?
- Lower taxation on sub-1.2L petrol engines
- Better fuel efficiency
- Competitive pricing
- Reduced production cost
Honda will almost certainly avoid the 1.5L engine to keep the WR-V in the mass-market sweet spot.
Quick Comparison Table
| Specification | Indonesian WR-V RS | India-Spec WR-V RS (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L i-VTEC | 1.2L i-VTEC |
| Power | 121 hp | ~90–100 hp |
| Torque | 145 Nm | ~110–115 Nm |
| Gearbox | Manual / CVT | Manual / CVT |
| Platform | 2nd-gen Amaze | 3rd-gen Amaze (expected) |
Positioning: The Missing Link in Honda’s Lineup
Right now, Honda India sells just three cars:
- Amaze
- City
- Elevate
That leaves a massive gap between the Amaze and Elevate. The WR-V RS can slip right into that space — compact enough for first-time SUV buyers, stylish enough for younger buyers, and premium enough for Honda loyalists who want an upgrade.
It would naturally compete with:
- Hyundai Venue
- Maruti Brezza
- Kia Sonet
- Tata Nexon (lower variants)
Compact SUVs are still the hottest segment — Honda simply can’t sit this one out.
Launch Timeline
Nothing is officially confirmed, but the lack of camouflage and ARAI proximity testing strongly suggest the WR-V RS is not far from production.
Expected India launch:
Early to mid-2026
Honda will likely reveal design details by late 2025 as part of its multi-model announcement plan.
Final Word
Honda’s strategy is finally moving into higher gear, and the WR-V RS looks like a crucial piece of the puzzle. With sporty looks, premium trim, and a compact footprint designed for Indian cities, the WR-V RS could be the car that brings Honda back into serious contention in the subcompact SUV space.
If Honda nails the pricing—think ₹8.5 lakh to ₹12 lakh bracket—the WR-V RS might become the brand’s next big seller after the Elevate.
FAQs
Yes. A near-production WR-V RS has been spotted testing in Pune, indicating an upcoming launch.
Most likely the 1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine from the Amaze, paired with manual and CVT options.
Honda may shift India’s version to the new third-gen Amaze platform.
Sporty styling, LED lighting, premium design touches, bold bumpers, and an RS-specific exterior package.
Likely early to mid-2026, aligned with Honda’s India product expansion plan.
